anyone use aloe for healing?

[lydias]

I think you can just use the juice inside the plant, right?
Or is there a good one to buy?

[Veganforlife]

Oh yes! Just the juice right from a leaf! Very soothing and healing...for burns especially! Good stuff.

[lydias]

its ok to drink internally too? after you scrub off the leaf,

It's been a while since I've had it and I think I used drink it from a bottle.

[Veganforlife]

Oh yeah, it's okay to mix that w/water and drink it. The bottled stuff is probably processed.

[Veganforlife]

Here's some quick info:

The Basics

Aloe comes from the aloe vera plant, a perennial characterized by long spear-like leaves. The plant may grow to a height of four feet. The aloe, a clear thick gel-like substance flows from the inside of cut leaves. The leaves also produce a bitter yellow juice found between the aloe gel and the leaf's outer skin. When this yellow juice is dried it becomes aloe latex.

Interestingly, aloe can be used externally and internally. The aloe gel can be used topically to stop pain and inflammation from minor cuts and burns, hives, and poison ivy. The gel can be applied liberally directly from a cut leaf. Some people keep an aloe vera plant in their home. Additionally, aloe stimulates skin repair and healing. It is often used as a skin healer and moisturizer.

Aloe latex is a powerful laxative that may cause painful cramping. Therefore, it is seldom used.

Aloe juice is the liquid form of aloe vera that is taken internally. This juice can be used to treat ulcers (may reduce gastric acid). Due to its antibacterial properties, aloe juice is used to treat gastrointestinal infections.

Sources

Aloe gel - fresh is the best - directly from the plant! However, aloe gel is also available commercially in a stabilized form (bottle). Aloe latex can be found in capsule or powdered form for use as a laxative. Aloe juice is simply the liquid form of the gel.

Guidelines and Cautions

Generally, aloe gel is safe for external use. Of course, if an allergic reaction occurs or irritation, discontinue use immediately. This gel should not be used for deep wounds - consult a medical professional for the treatment of wounds other than minor.

Aloe latex should be used carefully, if at all. When taken over a prolonged period of time, dependence may result. Chronic use may cause an electrolyte imbalance or potassium deficiency. If you are taking heart medication or diuretics, consult a medical professional prior to use.

Women who are pregnant or nursing should not take aloe latex. Miscarriage may occur. Also, this substance may worsen gastrointestinal problems.

As with any vitamin, herb, or supplement - always consult a medical professional prior to incorporating these substances into your diet.

[lydias]

ok, thanks so much!!

So when I scoop it off the leaf would I want to not try to get the yellow part or dont worry about that? Since I'm not drying it..

Anyone know how much to take?

[bodaflower]

I think you want to try and avoid the yellow part. That's what I do, I have maybe....15-20 plants around my yards and gardens, not all of them are green enough to pick though because it's been around 110 and just generally very hot.

A few blocks down the road there is a huge aloe vera spread, maybe 4 or 5 feet in length and two in width, but it's almost dead because nobody waters it :-p

You generally can cut a few inches of large leaf off and use it in a smoothie -



How to cut:

http://www.newstarget.com/021858.html

info:

http://www.newstarget.com/021858.html

[bodaflower]

I want to have an aloe farm

[rawOrchid]

Its a wonder plant!

Cut the leaf, and mix the gel inside with either papaya or orange juice.. David Wolfe calls this a beauty tonic!

[lydias]

Okay, I was trying the aloe

I cut the plant

Do I scrape all the gel like stuff off or just the juice that seeps off?
Wouldn't get that much otherwise

And I dont see any yellow stuff?
just at the end where its been cut once before.

[Sunshine9]

Bodaflower- I am so so jealous, aloe is one of my top favorite superfoods EVER EVER EVER!!!! mmm i love it so :)

Lydia - I extract my fresh aloe (i'm talking about the big leaves, those are only the ones i've ever eaten, not the little house plants) by making a very thin slice down the center of the piece i'm using, then cutting the top green off, and then cutting the flesh out and putting it in my smoothie. Whatever is left on the green I will rub over my face. What juice seeps off for you? Mine is always meaty, nothing is dripping. If there is yellow it's usually apparant. And from experience - beware the yellow!

The stuff they sell at the grocery store is processed and without the amazing healing properties that fresh aloe has.

Enjoy your aloe!!